#Will come like a thief in the night full

In Matthew 24, Jesus himself foretells his second coming. The return of Jesus is a topic that is discussed in many different parts of the Bible. Where Else Does the Bible Talk about Jesus' Return? The world is blind to the ways of God and his judgment will cause them anguish, just as a woman who experiences labor pains (1 Thess 5:3). In contrast, the ungodly will be entirely confused and terrified by the reality of Jesus visible on Earth again. We are the ones who are “awake” according to Paul (1 Thess 5:6) and therefore will not be taken by surprise when Jesus comes back to Earth. Our calling is to be mindful of how we use the time we are given here on Earth, to live lives that honor Jesus, and to be those who lovingly speak the truth of the Gospel to the lost of the world. In fact, we can hope for it, as with God’s judgment also comes the hope of a future that includes a new Heaven and Earth ( Revelation 21). What Should We Takeaway from 'Like a Thief in the Night' about Jesus' Return?Īs believers, we do not have to live in fear or trepidation of the day of Jesus’ return. While Christ-followers may not know the day that he returns, we stand ready because we know we have a place in God’s family. The believer prepares for both eternity in Heaven as well as Jesus’ second coming by living a purposeful life that is surrendered to the Lord’s leading. Just as unbelievers will be surprised to find they face eternal judgment at the end of their lives the world will also be filled with terror when they realize that the systems they have depended on are at the mercy of God's judgment. Christ's coming will be terrible to the ungodly.” As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Paul uses the analogy of a “thief in the night” because he wants to emphasize how disorienting Jesus’ return will be for those who are “asleep” or are not Christ-followers. Why Would Paul Use an Analogy Like 'Thief in the Night' for the Second Coming? We are to be awake, prepared, connected to the Holy Spirit, and ready for the day that Jesus returns to bring judgment to our world. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” This is an encouragement to the church to be different from the world.

Paul also communicates in this chapter that a Christian's focus should be on righteous living, in expectation for God to do the unexpected. This text emphasizes that for the believer the arrival of Jesus will be expected. For the unbeliever, Jesus’ return will come “like a thief in the night” they will not be prepared for his arrival. This verse reminds believers that we have the knowledge that God will come unexpectedly back into the world. Paul says the world will be surprised when these events begin to unfold but believers will understand that God is at work. The apostle shares a description of the coming judgment of the world. Let's break down 1 Thessalonians 5:2 so we can better understand what Paul is trying to communicate to his readers. What Does 'Like a Thief in the Night' Mean About God's Return? We need reminders that God is real, at work, and desires us to passionately follow after him. It is so very easy to lose focus in our Christian walk. His message which cautioned believers to “not sleep, but keep watch” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:6) was relevant to those who he was personally writing to and is still relevant to our lives today. Paul, one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament, urges Christians to persevere in their faith. The message Jesus leaves us is that we have to be careful not to let the cares of this world keep us from being people who “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness” ( Matthew 6:33). He wants his people to remain vigilant so we are ready for the day that we meet Jesus face to face. Jesus tells his followers to be alert because the moment of his return will catch those who aren’t paying attention by surprise ( Matthew 25:1-13).

#Will come like a thief in the night full

This season of time is both spoken of in a warning and even urgent tone but also it is looked forward to as with God’s judgment we can also look forward to the full restoration of his creation.

The Bible talks of a “second coming” of Jesus that will usher in a final judgment of the Earth and its inhabitants. He is talking about the need for Christians to be in tune with what God is doing so we are not caught by surprise when Jesus returns. The term “thief in the night” comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 which says, “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Paul is the writer of this New Testament book of the Bible.